IS THAT CUP OF COFFEE GIVING YOU A HEADACHE?
The next time you suffer from a headache or a migraine, think about when you had your last cup of coffee. Research suggests that there could be a link between your caffeine fix and your migraine attacks. So you might want to think twice about that double shot latte and switch to a caffeine-free version instead.
COULD YOU BE A CAFFEINE ADDICT WITHOUT REALIZING IT?
Caffeine is often used to decrease fatigue, increase alertness and it can also improve muscle coordination. Coffee is often thought of as the most common form of caffeine, but it can also naturally occur in chocolate and tea. It is often an ingredient in soda drinks and over-the-counter drugs such as cold and pain remedies.
Whether you drink a lot of coffee or tea, eat chocolate every day or have a craving for soda, caffeine could be causing you health problems, depending on your sensitivity. When used excessively or when the body is over stimulated by caffeine, it can cause insomnia, upset sleep patterns, anxiety, muscle spasms and abdominal pain. Headaches, palpitations and nausea are other common effects.
CAFFEINE OVERDOSE AND CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL
Getting the balance right with caffeine is very important for many people. Too much and it can start to cause the onset of headaches. Too little (for those having caffeine regularly) and it can have the same effect.
For example, if you drink five or more cups of coffee a day and suddenly stop this intake, your body will go through a withdrawal phase that includes headaches, mood swings and shifts in appetite. Caffeine is a drug, so it is completely natural for the body to get used to its regular dose and to react when that dose is taken away.
KEEP A HEADACHE DIARY TO KEEP TRACK OF THOSE CAFFEINE HEADACHES
It can be hard to tell why headaches occur, but if you suspect caffeine is to blame, an easy way to keep track is by keeping a headache diary. By making a note of your caffeine intake, timings and the onset of symptoms, you can start to take action and stop a caffeine headache in its tracks.
Unfortunately, if you want your caffeine headaches to subside, you will need to cut down or stop your caffeine intake. This can be easily done by drinking caffeine-free versions of your favorite beverages. You can even find non-prescription drugs that are caffeine-free if you shop around.
At the New Jersey Headache Institute, we work with many patients who are experiencing headaches as a result of their lifestyle or the foods and drinks they consume. Our headache experts can work closely with you to determine what is causing your headaches and what the best course of treatment might be.
Don’t suffer from caffeine headaches or migraine if you don’t have to. Speak to us today to find out more about our headache treatments and how we can ease the discomfort and frustration of recurring headaches. Get your headache diagnosis today. Call us or use our contact form to book a consultation.
